Graduation Service

Graduation is an exciting time. A time that we have looked forward to for years. How many times have you said, “I can’t wait until I graduate because then I will be able to do…” Guess what? That time is now. With freedom comes great responsibility. Now it is up to you to start making those crucial decisions for yourself. Here are some things that will prepare you for the future.

13Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15“Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.

I. People will try to prevent you from getting to God.

The disciples tried to keep the children from coming to Christ. I am sure they thought that Jesus was too busy to be disturbed by children. The word “rebuked” is a strong word. They did not just quietly say, “He is busy right now, can you come at a better time”. Instead they rebuked them. It was a “How dare you even think of doing such a thing!” comment.

People, some with good intentions, will try to keep you from walking closer to God. Here it was the disciples. All to often, we who consider ourselves Christians, prevent others from coming to God. We may not intend to, but to often our actions, language, and behavior keeps others from feeling welcomed or free to come to Christ.

People have a tendency to want to keep you operating at the same level as they are. You have heard the saying “Misery loves company”. Well it fits here. Non-Christians will feel very uncomfortable around you when you start living like Jesus. Therefore they will do things that will test your faith. It may even cause you to back slide. Realize that no matter how big or small your problem or life may seem, God still wants to be involved. Too many times we believe that our lives are trivial in comparison to the world’s problems. Honestly, they are. However, God loves us so much that He wants to be involved with our trivial lives! Never buy into the lie that you cannot approach the Throne of Grace over your situation. Your situation is exactly why Jesus lived on earth, died on a cross, and rose again defeating death and the grave. He did this so that you could approach the Throne of Grace to receive mercy and grace in your time of need! Folks it is this simple, when you choose to believe no matter the cost, Jesus always comes to you in the same way that He does here with these children.

II. Life begins with God not after graduation.

We believe that once we are outside the home, our life begins. Just as soon as we are out of the reach of our parents, then presto, our lives begin. We can’t wait until we graduate. We wish our young lives away. Desperately yearning for the time when we can make decisions for our self. On our own, Mr. Independent. You want to make your own money to buy your own things, and do what YOU want to do. That is not true freedom. True freedom is the chance to do what is right. True freedom doesn’t make selfish decisions, but decisions based on what God’s will is! God’s will isn’t always easy. It isn’t always fun. But it is always Right.

The world wants to sell you their version of life. There are commercials that infer that if you drink their fluids you obtain the “high life”, or the “good life”. The world wants us to believe that life is about owning material objects. The one with all of the gold rules, or the one who has the most or best toys at the end wins. The only problem with this lifestyle is hen does it end? We live in a day and time when owning the best can and will only last until tomorrow. Look at how the computers function. What is cutting edge today is a dinosaur tomorrow. That is America! Don’t allow our secular view points influence your our spiritual decisions! All the components of “the good life” begin and end with God. I believe that the parents of these children knew this, and to some degree the children knew this. That is why they wanted to come. “For such is the kingdom of God.” Read verse 16 and listen to the intimacy. Living life in the arms of Christ!